2026 Hyundai Palisade: Pricing, Features, and Trim Overview
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade represents the next evolution of Hyundai's flagship three-row SUV, building upon its reputation for offering premium features at competitive price points. As the midsize SUV segment continues to be fiercely competitive, Hyundai has refreshed the Palisade with enhanced technology, refined styling, and upgraded performance capabilities. This overview examines what potential buyers can expect from the 2026 model year, including trim levels, pricing structure, technology features, and performance specifications.
Introduction: What’s New for 2026
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade introduces several notable updates while maintaining the core strengths that have made it a popular choice in the three-row SUV category. Key improvements include a redesigned front fascia with updated LED lighting elements, giving the vehicle a more sophisticated appearance. Inside, the cabin features upgraded materials across all trim levels, with new color combinations and accent options available. The technology suite has been expanded with a larger standard touchscreen display, enhanced driver assistance features, and improved connectivity options including wireless device integration across all trim levels.
Trim Levels & Pricing
The 2026 Palisade continues Hyundai’s strategy of offering well-equipped trim levels at various price points. The lineup begins with the SE base model, progressing through SEL, XRT, Limited, and the top-tier Calligraphy trim. Each step up delivers additional features and luxury appointments.
The entry-level SE starts at an estimated MSRP of $36,500, offering significant value with standard features like an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a comprehensive suite of safety technologies. The SEL trim, positioned at approximately $38,700, adds convenience features like a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control.
For those seeking a more rugged appearance, the XRT trim (estimated at $41,500) provides exclusive styling elements including black exterior accents, unique wheels, and additional convenience features. The Limited trim, starting around $47,200, introduces luxury amenities such as premium Nappa leather, ventilated seats, and a dual-pane sunroof.
At the pinnacle of the lineup, the Calligraphy trim (estimated at $50,800) offers distinctive exterior styling, quilted leather door panels, a head-up display, and exclusive wheel designs.
| Trim Level | Starting MSRP (Estimated) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| SE | $36,500 | 8” touchscreen, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, full safety suite |
| SEL | $38,700 | Adds power driver’s seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control |
| XRT | $41,500 | Black exterior accents, unique wheels, roof rails, rugged styling |
| Limited | $47,200 | Nappa leather, ventilated seats, dual-pane sunroof, 12.3” touchscreen |
| Calligraphy | $50,800 | Quilted leather interior, unique wheels, head-up display, premium audio |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
Powertrain & Performance
The 2026 Palisade continues with Hyundai’s refined 3.8-liter V6 engine, now delivering 295 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that has been recalibrated for improved efficiency and smoother shifts. Front-wheel drive remains standard across all trims, with Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system available as an option for approximately $1,900 extra.
Fuel economy has been improved slightly for the 2026 model year, with front-wheel-drive models achieving an estimated 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. All-wheel-drive variants see minimal reduction in efficiency at 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The Palisade maintains its 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity when properly equipped with the available towing package.
Technology & Connectivity
Hyundai has significantly upgraded the technology offerings for the 2026 Palisade. Standard across all trims is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims receive a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation. The digital instrument cluster has been enhanced with improved graphics and additional customization options.
The Palisade now features Hyundai’s next-generation BlueLink connected car services with expanded capabilities, including remote start with climate control, vehicle status updates, and enhanced navigation features. USB-C ports replace older USB-A connections throughout the cabin, providing faster charging capabilities for modern devices. A wireless charging pad is standard on SEL trims and above, supporting the latest smartphone fast-charging protocols.
Safety & Driver Assistance
The 2026 Palisade builds upon Hyundai’s commitment to safety with an expanded suite of standard and available driver assistance technologies. All trim levels include forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, driver attention warning, and intelligent speed limit assist.
Higher trims add blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, Highway Driving Assist II with lane change assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The 2026 model also introduces an enhanced surround-view monitor system with higher resolution cameras and improved nighttime visibility. These comprehensive safety features aim to maintain the Palisade’s strong safety ratings from previous generations.
Warranty & Reliability
Hyundai continues to offer one of the most comprehensive warranty packages in the industry with the 2026 Palisade. The coverage includes a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and 7 years of anti-perforation protection. Additionally, the Palisade includes 3 years/36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance and 5 years of unlimited mileage roadside assistance.
The previous generation Palisade has demonstrated strong reliability ratings from independent evaluators, and the 2026 model builds upon this foundation with refined systems and components that have proven their durability in earlier models.
Exterior Design & Dimensions
The 2026 Palisade maintains its commanding presence with subtle refinements to its exterior design. The front fascia features an updated cascading grille design with integrated LED daytime running lights that create a distinctive lighting signature. The side profile remains largely unchanged, continuing with the bold character lines and available 20-inch alloy wheels on upper trims.
Dimensionally, the 2026 model remains similar to its predecessor with a length of 196.7 inches, width of 77.8 inches, and height of 68.9 inches. The wheelbase of 114.2 inches provides generous interior space across all three rows. Ground clearance measures 7.9 inches for front-wheel-drive models and 8.2 inches for all-wheel-drive variants.
Is the 2026 Palisade Right for You?
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade continues to offer compelling value in the three-row SUV segment with its combination of premium features, spacious interior, comprehensive warranty, and competitive pricing. Its strengths include a refined powertrain, extensive technology and safety features, and upscale interior appointments, particularly in higher trim levels.
The vehicle is well-suited for families seeking a spacious, feature-rich SUV without the premium price tag of luxury-branded competitors. However, those prioritizing maximum fuel efficiency might want to consider hybrid alternatives in the segment. Ultimately, the 2026 Palisade builds upon its established formula with thoughtful updates that should keep it competitive among midsize three-row SUVs.
